JULIANNE KIRCHNER
Scottsdale,AZ
Summary
Dynamic Operations leader with deep experience integrating AI and automation into operational frameworks to drive efficiency and scalability. Known for leading complex, cross-functional programs at FIRST, aligning stakeholders through collaborative leadership, data-driven insights, and structured change management to deliver AI-enabled solutions with lasting business impact.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER
FIRST
Remote
01.2023 - Current
- Owned strategy and execution of large, complex, cross-functional initiatives, partnering with enterprise leaders to align project portfolios, roadmaps, and process changes with business priorities and long-term goals.
- Drove operational excellence and business transformation by identifying and implementing short- and long-term solutions to cross-departmental challenges, ensuring alignment with global processes, regional needs, and organizational strategy.
- Led change management and implementation efforts for new projects and processes, contributing to strategic decision-making while enabling adoption and continuous transformation across the business.
- Established performance management and continuous improvement frameworks, delivering cost savings, efficiency gains, automation opportunities, and alignment with industry best practices.
- Built trusted stakeholder partnerships at all levels, fostering a culture of collaboration, integrity, and innovation while ensuring policy compliance and consistent global alignment.
LEASING AND VENDOR MANAGEMENT
Urban Space
New York, NY
06.2021 - 02.2022
- Led end-to-end vendor management for 50+ partners, overseeing onboarding, integration, performance evaluation, and compliance with company standards.
- Directed contract and negotiation processes, preparing letters of intent, partnering with legal on vendor agreements, reviewing and approving offers, and escalating complex issues to senior leadership as needed.
- Developed and maintained a robust vendor pipeline, sourcing new partners and cultivating long-term strategic relationships.
- Curated a high-performing chef and vendor portfolio through deep knowledge of the NYC culinary landscape and market trends.
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
MKTG
New York City
01.2015 - 01.2020
- Co-led a nationwide team of 150+ professionals, managing a $20M account and driving operational consistency across regions.
- Managed the full commercial leasing lifecycle for 15+ properties nationwide, including market analysis, negotiations, contract execution, and lease administration.
- Oversaw budgets, asset inventory, daily operations, and process optimization for 16 field offices and 3 event spaces.
- Led regulatory and compliance analysis, developing strategies to meet licensing and permitting requirements across jurisdictions.
SENIOR MANAGER
Tyson Foods
Springdale, USA
01.2014 - 12.2014
- Led corporate communications and HR initiatives spanning internal events, education programs, onboarding, talent development, and executive succession planning. Partnered closely with C-suite leaders to support organizational growth, leadership continuity, and M&A-related transitions.
EVENT MANAGER
Giant Impact
Atlanta, USA
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Planned and delivered 25+ large-scale live events annually (100–13,000 attendees), leading end-to-end logistics, vendor negotiations, and strategic partnerships. Collaborated with national brands including Chick-fil-A and Coca-Cola to elevate leadership culture, engagement, and brand presence nationwide.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR05-2011
Skills
- Program & Project Management
- Cross-Functional & Team Leadership
- Strategic Planning & Alignment
- Executive Stakeholder Management
- Operational Excellence
- Organizational Change Management
- Google Workspace - Gemini, NotebookLM
- Microsoft Office - Sharepoint, Power Automate, Copilot
- ChatGPT
- Lucid AI
- Smartsheet
Timeline
BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER
FIRST
01.2023 - Current
LEASING AND VENDOR MANAGEMENT
Urban Space
06.2021 - 02.2022
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
MKTG
01.2015 - 01.2020
SENIOR MANAGER
Tyson Foods
01.2014 - 12.2014
EVENT MANAGER
Giant Impact
01.2011 - 01.2014
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management
University of Arkansas